An abridged audiocassette version was published in 1993, read by Paul Winfield. Also, there is an unabridged library edition of 1994, read by George C. Simms. The publisher of both is Audio Renaissance. Director Carl Franklin's 1995 film starred Denzel Washington as Easy Rawlins, Jennifer Beals as Daphne Monet, Tom Sizemore as DeWitt Albright, and Don Cheadle as Mouse. In the film the plot is simplified, and social criticism is less intense than in the novel. The film's ending projects more hope. The novel's flavor is preserved in many vivid scenes, integrated by main character voiceover.